Wednesday, January 28, 2015

The Nervous System & Inflammation


In a review completed by Tracey (2002) the relationship between inflammation and the nervous system is discussed. Inflammation is a protective response in the body that requires precise regulation. Cholinergic neurons can prevent inflammation, which suggests that the nervous system is vital in our immune responses to our environment. The nervous system can gather information from the internal environment and respond by inhibiting systemic cytokines such as TNF, which mediates subsequent cascades of cytokines. The communication between the nervous system and immune response is dynamic, meaning cytokines can be released through the HPA axis.  Additionally, the immune system has the capacity to synthesize neuropeptides such as acetylcholine and other neurotransmitters.

Tracey, K. J. D. a-D. 19-26 D. O.-10. 1038/Nature0132. N. [Pii] D. P.-N. L. M. E. T.-2002/12/20. (2002). The inflammatory reflex. Nature, 420(December), 853–9 ST  – The inflammatory reflex.


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